Evgeni Nabokov

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Lore & Background

His most defining moments occurred during deep playoff runs, particularly in the late 2000s, where his ability to steal games with spectacular stops became the hallmark of Sharks hockey under coach Ron Wilson and later Todd McLellan. Upon his departure in 2010, he held numerous franchise records for wins and shutouts, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever wear the black and teal jersey. (Note: While Patrick Marleau holds the Sharks' all-time wins record as a forward, Nabokov's goaltender wins record was later broken by Martin Jones.)

In Their Own Story

The SAP Center arena hummed with a nervous energy as the third period wound down in overtime. The puck was loose near the Sharks' crease, and Evgeni Nabokov exploded from his butterfly stance, stretching his glove hand into the impossible void. With a sharp crack of the stick against the ice, he froze the puck, sealing another victory for San Jose. As the crowd erupted, he stood tall in the net, adjusting his mask with that signature look of calm confidence that had become the heartbeat of the franchise.

Reader's Guide

Evgeni Nabokov's impact on Sharks culture was transformative, shifting the team's identity from a rebuilding project to a powerhouse. His arrival in 2001 coincided with the end of an era of mediocrity and the start of consistent playoff appearances. His Vezina Trophy nomination in 2017 highlighted his enduring excellence even near the twilight of his career. Beyond statistics, Nabokov brought a unique flair to the goal crease, often engaging in pre-game rituals and post-save celebrations that endeared him to fans. He remains the only Sharks goaltender to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame while wearing the team's colors.

Did You Know?

• Nabokov held the Sharks' franchise record for most wins and shutouts upon his departure in 2010, though his wins record among goaltenders has since been broken by Martin Jones.
• Nabokov was inducted into the San Jose Sharks Hall of Fame in 2023, becoming a celebrated icon of the franchise's history.

Early Life and Path to North America

Born in Kazakhstan during the Soviet era, Yevgeni Viktorovich Nabokov began his journey with his hometown club, Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk, from 1991 to 1994. His talent caught the attention of San Jose Sharks scouts, leading to a surprising selection as the 219th overall pick in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. Remarkably, the team had never seen him play before drafting him and did not contact him until three years later. Before making the move across the ocean, Nabokov honed his skills with Dynamo Moscow, winning a league championship and reaching the European Hockey League final. Although initially reluctant to leave Russia for minor-league affiliates in North America, he followed his parents' advice. His transition was difficult; struggling to adapt to the American style of play while serving as a backup in Kentucky, he nearly returned home. However, meeting his future wife, Tabitha, and refining his technique under coach Warren Strelow convinced him to stay, setting the stage for his eventual NHL breakthrough.

Rise to Stardom with San Jose

Nabokov's ascent began in earnest during the 2000-01 season when an injury to starter Steve Shields thrust him into the primary role. He immediately proved his worth, recording 32 wins and earning a spot in the All-Star Game. This outstanding rookie campaign earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's best first-year player, along with a fourth-place finish for the Vezina Trophy. His dominance continued the following year, highlighted by seven shutouts and a historic moment on March 10, 2002, when he scored against the Vancouver Canucks. This feat made him the seventh goalie in NHL history to score and the first non-North American to do so, specifically marking the first power-play goal by a goaltender. Over his first nine seasons with San Jose, Nabokov became the franchise leader in nearly every goaltending category, including games played, wins, and shutouts, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite netminders.

Contract Disputes and International Glory

Despite his on-ice success, Nabokov faced significant off-ice challenges, most notably a contract holdout at the start of the 2002-03 season. Feeling underpaid compared to his performance, he missed five games before agreeing to a two-year deal worth over $3.5 million annually. While that specific season was disappointing for both player and team, missing the playoffs, he rebounded strongly in subsequent years, leading San Jose to their first-ever third-round playoff appearance. His international career also flourished; though he began representing Kazakhstan at the 1994 World Championships, he later switched allegiance to Russia. Representing his adopted country from 2006 onward, Nabokov competed in both the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics and secured a gold medal with the Russian national team at the 2008 World Championships, showcasing his versatility on the global stage.

Later Career and Coaching Legacy

After years of dominance, Nabokov's performance dipped slightly in the 2005-06 season, leading to him being relegated to a backup role behind Vesa Toskala. Nevertheless, the Sharks recognized his value, signing him to a massive four-year extension worth roughly $21.5 million that included a no-trade clause contingent on playoff qualification. He eventually departed for SKA Saint Petersburg in Russia in 2010 but returned to the NHL briefly before concluding his playing career with the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning. Upon retiring, Nabokov remained deeply connected to San Jose, first serving as a development coach and later being named the team's official goaltending coach in 2019. His retirement marked the end of an era where he held the eighteenth most all-time regular-season wins in NHL history, leaving behind a legacy defined by resilience, historic achievements, and continued mentorship.

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